The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. is hosting a symposium today on the controversial subject of Indian mascots.

The highlight of "Racist Stereotypes and Cultural Appropriation in American Sports" is expected to be a discussion on the local Washington Redskins mascot. Indian activists and tribal groups have been speaking out against the name for decades.

“It is the equivalent of the n-word,” NMAI Director Kevin Gover told the Associated Press. “That’s how it was used when I was a child. That’s the name people chose to call me if they wanted to hurt my feelings, and I think that’s still the case in many circumstances.”

The event starts at 10:15am and will be webcast at s.si.edu/heeJk

Get the Story:
Smithsonian American Indian museum tackles racist stereotypes, mascots in American sports (AP 2/6)

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Agenda for symposium on Indian mascots in sports at NMAI (2/4)
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Rep. Cole, Chickasaw, calls Redskins mascot 'very offensive' (01/18)